While we’re peeling off layers clothes-wise, ‘tis the season to layer-up on the accessory front. From the trend-driven to the classics, we’ve rounded up the best of the best in summer accessories.
The Sandal
This guy can multitask – but rather than scouring for the holy grail of universal sandals, let them do their thing and invest in two styles instead: a casual leather or jelly number for day, and a jazzed-up metallic version for night.
Lily sandal, $99.95, Witchery, witchery.com.au, Metallic leather Epicure sandals, $245, K. Jaques, stylebop.com , Jess ankle strap jelly silver sandal, $49.95, seedheritage.com
The Hat
Go au naturel when it comes to headwear – think raffa and straw, the more woven the better. Shape-wise, take your pick of two camps: extreme wide-brim for hardcore sunshine or short and sharp panamas to cruise around in for day.
Oversized raffia hat, $69.95, Country Road, countryroad.com.au, Straw two-tone panama, $49.95, seedheritage.com
The Eyewear
Mirrored lenses hit like a trend tidal wave last summer, but it’s about a more refined take post the grip of sports luxe fever. Dip your toe in this time around and try them in a classic aviator frame instead.
Classic aviator, $563, Victoria Beckham, boutique1.com, RB3025 aviators, $184.95, Ray-Ban, sunglasshut.com
The Jewels
With all that skin on show, a pile of wrist candy is key – lighten up with intertwined jewels and gems. Up top, the ear cuff is stealing the spotlight from the chandelier earrings of old – they may scream after-dark at first glance, but they’ll happily dress up casual outfits paired back with messy, textured hair.
Star ear cuff, $89, Amber Sceats, theiconic.com.au, Gidget varsity bracelet, $99.95, Mimco, mimco.com.au
The Watch
Sit on the fence between your watches and jewellery and try a double wrap this summer – perfect for the girl on the go who needs day to night polish in a flash.
Blade double wrap black leather watch, $175, Marc by Marc Jacobs, watchstation.com
The Beach Bag
Make Mary Poppins your inspiration here – all those on-sand essentials require something roomy, so think big. There’s no need for fancy fabrications here, either; casual, hard-working types like canvas and cotton withstand any adventure.
Canvas print shopper, $79.95, Country Road, countryroad.com.au, Bi-colour straw pompom tote, $309, Sensi Studio, matchesfashion.com
The Towel
It may be an afterthought, but a tatty towel really rubs the sheen off a well thought out beach ensemble. Go nautical in fresh icy blue stripes.
Holloway beach towel, $59.95, Country Road, countryroad.com.au, Riverside beach towel, $59.95, Country Road, countryroad.com.au
The Heel
Bump those whites and nudes for something with a bit more spunk – metallics are making a play for the new summer neutral. Keep it simple and strappy for a cleaner take on high shine.
Jane ankle strap sandals, $695, Saint Laurent, mytheresa.com, Knot detail metallic leather sandals, $910, Burberry, au.burberry.com, Claire strap heel, $159.95, Seed, seedheritage.com
The Clutch
Zing! With all-white reigning supreme on the clothing front, a clean palette allows for a splash of pigmented colour in your clutches – think punchy cobalts and citrus tones.
Mini origami envelope clutch in sunset orange, $149, Mimco, mimco.com.au, Beckett metallic clutch, $930, Stella McCartney, mytheresa.com
The Tech-cessory
The humble headphone has been given a once-over – and a luxe one at that. Trade in those well-worn earbuds for something that deserves a bit more airtime around your face.
Layla leather and rose gold headphones, $297.24, Frends, net-a-porter.com